Reclaiming Our Cycles: Embracing the Cyclical Goddess Within
Fuck. This is a BIG one. A part of me feels like I shouldn't put this out there, but a bigger part of me feels that as women, we have been conditioned by the patriarchy to talk in hushed tones about bleeding, cycles, womb wisdom, sex, and pussy power. But here goes...I'm going to start talking, inspired by my sisters @sassylisalister and @sallybeaton, not to mention @carogomezjoywitch and ALL of you beautiful, gorgeous Sisters of the SoulTribe.
I have been on the pill, on and off, since I was 16. That's the best part of 24 years, give or take two pregnancies. Now, I am a woman who practices Somatics, Embodied Movement, and tracks the cycles of the moon. I am deeply in tune with my body, mood, and feeling, AND YET. I have been choosing to trick her (my body) into believing she doesn't have a cycle FOR TWO DECADES. And I am ready to STOP.
The Pill and My Journey
The decision to stop taking the pill is not one I make lightly. I understand that giving up the pill is not the right decision for everyone. For many, it is a lifeline, a tool for managing various health conditions and for taking control of their reproductive health. However, I am urging us all to look at the reasons WHY we choose to put these hormones into our body. As women, we have been told that, on the whole, contraception is our responsibility. Yet, at best, women are fertile for around 1-5 days each month, while men are fertile EVERY DAY OF THEIR LIVES. Yes, let's just let that sink in.
In the 1960s, we were sold the idea that the pill was 'sexual liberation' for women. It allowed us to have as much sex as we liked without worrying about pregnancy. But in the process, this pill divorced us from the knowledge of our cycles—those cycles that connect us to the moon, the seasons, and the tides. These cycles remind us what powerful creatrixes and portals into being we are. While men have a solar-led 24-hour cycle of hormones, women have a moon-led, monthly cycle.
Embracing the Cyclical Goddess
I want to get to know her—my body—and live fully in the embodiment of my beautiful, cyclical human form, with all its ups and downs, waxings and wanings, loud and quiet times. I want to embrace it all and not deny its existence any more for someone else's comfort or pleasure, but for my OWN.
I know this is not something everyone feels comfortable talking about openly. We have been conditioned to keep these discussions private, almost secretive. But I am here, waving my blood-red flag, encouraging us all to ask ourselves some of these questions. To reconnect with the power, knowledge, and wisdom of our bodies and support one another in ALL of it.
Why Talk About This?
The cultural narrative around menstruation and female cycles has long been one of shame and secrecy. We have been taught to hide our periods, to manage our fertility quietly and without fuss, to bear the burden of contraception without question. But this narrative is not only outdated—it is damaging. It disconnects us from our natural rhythms, our power, and our bodies' wisdom.
When we speak openly about our cycles, we challenge this narrative. We reclaim our power and our bodies. We remind ourselves and each other that there is nothing shameful about menstruation, about being a woman, about the natural cycles that govern our lives.
A Call to Reconnect
So, I invite you to join me on this journey. Let’s ask ourselves why we make the choices we do about our bodies. Let’s talk about our experiences, our fears, and our hopes. Let’s support each other in reconnecting with our cycles and our power.
If this resonates with you or you'd like to dive deeper into honoring your cycles with me, comment CYCLE below. I will send you a free guided meditation to help connect with the Cyclical Goddess within.
Much love, beautiful ones!
Practical Steps to Reconnect with Your Cycles:
Track Your Cycle: Start by keeping a journal of your menstrual cycle. Note physical, emotional, and mental changes throughout the month. This awareness is the first step to reconnecting with your body’s natural rhythm.
Practice Somatic Movement: Engage in practices that encourage deep listening to your body, such as Somatics or Embodied Movement. These practices help you become more attuned to your body’s needs and signals.
Moon Tracking: Observe the moon's phases and note any correlations with your cycle. This practice can deepen your connection to natural rhythms and cycles.
Open Conversations: Talk about your experiences with trusted friends or in women’s groups. Sharing stories and insights can be incredibly empowering and healing.
Guided Meditation: Use guided meditations focused on the Cyclical Goddess to deepen your connection with your body’s wisdom. (Comment CYCLE below for a free guided meditation.)
By embracing these steps, we can begin to honor our bodies, our cycles, and ourselves more fully. Let's support each other in this journey of reconnection and empowerment.